Not everything in the country is peaches and cream; there is
still room for improvement. According to 24 MKs, what we
really need now is a gambling casino. They maintain that if
a casino were to be built, affairs would be better all
around.
Last week 24 MKs from various parties tabled a bill to build
a legally- sanctioned casino in Israel. According to the
bill's proponents the debate over whether to build a casino
in Israel is no longer relevant, for the casino is already
here. There are currently some 130 illegal casinos in
operation -- in places like Jericho, Taba and on eight
casino boats -- that are able to operate and even expand,
despite their illicit nature.
The bill's supporters also say Israelis spend some NIS 5
billion ($1.25 billion) annually on illegal gambling.
According to Mifal Hapayis the fight against illegal casinos
is an uphill battle with no end in sight.
The bill was initiated by Yossi Katz (Labor). The Knesset
House Committee, which Katz heads, approved a request last
week to exempt the bill from the mandatory 45-day waiting
period.
Why is this bill so pressing? For a very simple reason: a
survey recently conducted among Israelis showed that 47
percent of adults in Israel have visited a casino.
Who says the security situation in Israel is less than
ideal?
